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Meet Aaron Gryder

The Family Man

Aaron Gryder

The Family Man

Meet the Jockeys

Aaron's Stats
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 114 lbs.
Born: June 5, 1970; West Covina, CA
Residence: La Verne, CA
Family: Wife Karen; children Christian and Grace

Aaron Gryder has known since the age of four that he wanted to be a jockey. He grew up in Southern California, and his father and grandfather, both horseracing fans, exposed him to the sport at this early age. From that point forward, he has relied on his hard work and dogged determination to build a solid racing career and support his young family.

At age 13, Gryder left home and began taking riding lessons with former jockey Rudy Campas. Just a few years later when he was 16, Gryder registered his first win aboard Ragin Henry in Tijuana, Mexico. As an apprentice, Gryder led the Hollywood Park fall meet in 1987, when he had his first Grade 1 win.

Since then, Gryder has enjoyed a successful career in horseracing, boasting multiple Breeders' Cup rides and three Kentucky Derbies. In 1992, Gryder won the biggest purse of his career when he won the $750,000 Super Derby. He achieved his 3,000th career win on March 7, 2007 aboard Pressthepace at Santa Anita. This year, Gryder has high hopes for Well Armed, a horse that he rode to a third-place finish at the Dubai World Cup.

Gryder has made guest appearances on The Sopranos and Dellaventura. He is involved with several children's charities and is the proud father of two. In his free time, Gryder enjoys outdoor activities including cycling, water sports, running and working out.